Iowa History

Farmers and farm workers in Iowa and the Midwest took organized actions to protect their livelihood and well-being. This exhibit documents agricultural activism from 1929-1969, focusing on four specific events.

An exhibit exploring the origins of the Iowa State Parks system and Iowa State University’s contributions to the system’s development. Includes 65 images and documents, interactive content, and a bibliography.

Jack Trice was the first African-American athlete at ISU, competing in football and track. During his first football game, he suffered severe injures that resulted in his death. In 1997, the ISU football stadium was formally named after him.

Sarah Underwood’s letters vividly describe her experiences and observations when the family farmed in eastern Iowa during the 1850s & 1860s. Included are letters before their move to Iowa and after their return to Rhode Island.